Duty Manager

Ellipsis Entertainment Ltd.; City Of London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading entertainment venue in London is seeking a Duty Manager to oversee operational coordination during live performance shifts. The role involves ensuring clear communication between multiple departments, managing audience flow, and addressing any issues that arise. Ideal candidates should have previous supervisory experience in live entertainment or hospitality and possess strong people skills. Flexible availability for evenings and weekends is required.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a supervisory or duty manager role within a live entertainment or hospitality environment.
• Strong operational awareness and ability to remain composed under pressure.
• Experience in cross-departmental environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead all teams during live performance shifts as the manager on duty.
• Ensure cohesive operations through clear communication.
• Manage audience flow during high-traffic periods.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Operational awareness

Audience management

Job description

Position Summary:

As a Duty Manager at Layered Reality, you will serve as the central point of contact during your shift, ensuring clear communication and coordination across all departments and partner teams working within the venue. With multiple stakeholders involved, including front-of-house, technical, bar, performance, and external partner teams, you’ll play a key role in making sure everyone is aligned and the operation runs smoothly.

You’ll be the go-to person for real-time decisions, responding to any issues as they arise and facilitating a joined-up approach to delivering a high-quality, consistent guest experience. This role requires confident leadership, strong people skills, and the ability to keep calm and organised in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Scope & Responsibilities

• Take full responsibility for the venue during live performance shifts, acting as the manager on duty and the central point of contact for all teams and departments
• Lead communication between FOH, bar, technical crew, stage management, and third-party partners to ensure cohesive operations and real-time coordination
• Take charge of the general running of the venue during show and post-show periods, ensuring all departments are supported and operating efficiently
• Manage audience movement, including entry, exits, latecomers, and overall crowd flow during high-traffic moments
• Take an active role in upholding health & safety, fire safety, and audience care standards, responding swiftly and appropriately to any incidents
• Handle guest concerns and complaints directly, resolving issues promptly and escalating when necessary
• Maintain the venue’s cleanliness and presentation, taking responsibility for ensuring a welcoming and professional environment throughout the shift
• Proactively step in to assist teams and resolve operational challenges in real time
• Complete detailed shift reports and handovers, ensuring continuity and clarity between teams and performance days
• Work flexibly around shift end times, which may vary depending on audience turnout and peak periods (e.g. weekends or special events)
• Take the lead on supporting and coordinating special events, previews, and themed nights as required

Background & Experience

• Previous experience in a supervisory, duty manager, or team lead role within a live entertainment, theatre, venue, or hospitality environment
• Strong operational awareness and ability to remain composed under pressure
• Experience working in multi-partner or cross-departmental environments
• Confident managing real-time issues and supporting multiple teams simultaneously
• A solid understanding of venue safety procedures and audience management

Desired Attributes

• Clear, confident communicator and natural relationship builder
• Calm, solutions-focused, and responsive to changing situations
• Organised, proactive, and able to manage competing priorities
• Comfortable leading a shift independently while supporting teams
• Flexible availability (evenings, weekends, and event nights required)
• Conversational English
• Passionate about live events, entertainment, and excellent guest experience

Job Title: Duty Manager

Job Type: Full-time - Permanent

Probation: 3 Months

Location: Chapter 3, Excel London, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, London, E16 1XL

Please submit your application with an up-to-date CV and covering letter explaining what you can bring to the role, why you would like to work for us and why we should hire you.